How should anxiety be treated?

Anxiety treatment generally involves interventions in the following areas: psychological therapy, standardized medication, lifestyle adjustments, relaxation training, and building social support. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Psychological Therapy Intervention: Seek help from a professional psychologist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to adjust negative thought patterns—for example, identifying and replacing anxious thoughts such as "something will definitely go wrong." Alternatively, exposure therapy can gradually help individuals adapt to feared situations, reducing anxiety triggers. Psychological therapy addresses the root causes of anxiety by improving cognitive patterns and enhancing emotional regulation.

2. Standardized Medication Treatment: Under medical supervision, anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed—such as benzodiazepines for acute anxiety relief, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for managing long-term symptoms. It is essential to strictly follow medical instructions regarding dosage and duration; self-adjusting or discontinuing medication should be avoided to prevent dependency or adverse side effects.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late or overexertion. Reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these substances may exacerbate anxiety. Increase daily physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking, to relieve stress and stabilize the nervous system through exercise.

4. Relaxation Training Practice: Regularly practice relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation—tensing and then relaxing muscles group by group—or mindfulness meditation, which focuses attention on breathing and present-moment sensations to reduce mental distractions. Long-term practice can decrease the frequency of anxiety episodes and improve psychological resilience.

5. Building Social Support: Proactively communicate your anxious feelings with family and friends to gain emotional understanding and practical assistance. Join anxiety support groups to share experiences with others facing similar challenges, reducing feelings of isolation and strengthening confidence and motivation in managing anxiety.

It is important to note that treatment methods should be selected according to the severity of anxiety. Mild anxiety may improve through self-regulation, while moderate to severe cases require professional intervention. If anxiety persistently affects daily life, timely medical consultation is recommended to prevent symptom worsening due to delayed treatment.